NHL Playoff Predictions: Western Conference

With just under an hour until the puck drop to begin the 2008 NHL Playoffs, I thought I'd put my brain to the test and make some bold predictions on this season's first round Western Conference matchups. Because of time contraints, I'll just leave you my series predictions. Let's get to it.

1 Detroit vs 8 Nashville

So Detroit won another President's Trophy...whoop-di-do. We've all heard that the regular season means nothing when it comes to the playoffs, and the Red Wings are perfect proof of that statement. I think this series will include lots of scoring (mostly on Detroit's side of the scoreboard), and marginal goaltending on both sides. Datsyuk and Zetterberg have had some playoff experience now and I believe they can get it done this time around. Wings in 5.

2 San Jose vs 7 Calgary

As a Calgarian and a big Flames fan, I'm cheering for the home side. I did however take Nabokov in all my playoff pools elsewise I won't win money this time around. Sharks are gelling especially with the addition of Brian Campbell, and Nabokov had a Vezina-like season. With all that being said, Thornton had a decent year compared to his usual standards, and Cheechoo didn't crack 30 goals, so the Flames have a chance. There is always that chance of a two-seed vs seven-seed upset as in years past. Sharks in 7 but GO FLAMES GO!!

3 Minnesota vs 6 Colorado

Short and sweet, Avs are healthy and the Wild are not. Forsberg, Hejduk, Sakic, Stastny, and Smyth are all in the lineup for Colorado. The Wild are missing two key defensemen in Kurtis Foster (leg) and Nick Schultz (appendectomy) Avs in 6.

4 Anaheim vs 5 Dallas

Anaheim has a good shot at repeating. Only changes this year around are the loss of a second scoring line. Andy McDonald is watching the playoffs as a member of the St. Louis Blues, and Corey Perry is expected to miss the first round of the playoffs. Dallas slid into the playoffs and Turco can either be outstanding or awful. Ducks in 6.

With three out of four matchups involving division foes, the hatrid for each other will be there from the get-go. We are definitely in for some good series this year. All that's left now is puck drop. GAME ON!!